DIY & Crafts

9 cute homemade birthday decorations

Want to add a special touch to your kid's next birthday bash? We've rounded up nine one-of-a-kind homemade party decorations from the blogosphere – and they're a lot more fun than your standard streamers and balloons.

1. Balloon banner You know those impressive balloon banners you see at large charity events and corporate parties? Now you can make one of your own! To get started, follow this easy tutorial on Gabrielle Blair's blog, Design Mom. Simply thread balloons onto some twine until you get the length of banner you need. The best part? It's a grand statement for the minimal cost of a few packages of balloons.

2. Bunting flagsDo you love those sweet buntings you see popping up everywhere on Pinterest and craft blogs? Download this free bunting flag template designed exclusively for canadianliving.com by The Penny Paper Co., then print it, cut it out, tape it to string and it's ready to hang! Lindsay Stephenson, the designer behind The Penny Paper Co., made a similar version for her son's room, as shown on her personal blog, Little House Blog. It would be a fabulously quick birthday party decoration to make (and one that older kids can help with too).

3. Pom-pom word pennantHere's another kids' room decoration that would be great for a party: a pom-pom name pennant as seen on the blog Kojo Designs. Sisters Kirstin and Jordan give detailed instructions on how to make wire-frame letters and attach pom-poms to them to create a one-of-a-kind pennant. Spell out the birthday boy or girl's name, or even "Happy Birthday" for a banner you can use over and over again.

4. Ginormous flowersCreate a fantasy world where the flora is huge with these ginormous flowers from the Meridian Road blog. This sweet craft by blogger Suzanne involves cutting, shaping and gluing large pieces of paper into large blooms – a perfect decoration for spring birthdays and garden- or fairy-themed parties.

Page 1 of 2 -- Discover five more great birthday decor ideas on page 2. 5. Paper dot garlandThis no-sew, no-glue paper garland by yours truly – which you can see on the Corinna Wraps blog – is an easy project to do while watching TV. Cut circles from sticker sheets and paper, then attach them to each other around embroidery floss. Customize the garland for the occasion by choosing paper and colours that pick up on the party theme. For example, use comic book pages for a superhero party or images of fish for an under-water theme.

6. Paper rosettesInstead of balloons, try hanging groupings of pretty paper rosettes or medallions, like these ones found on Transient Expression. Blogger Rachel shows you how to accordion-fold strips of paper then fan them out to create these high-impact decorations. They're a great balloon alternative for moms and kids with latex allergies.

7. Fabric balloonsThere's no need to worry about loud bangs surprising party guests with these pop-proof fabric balloons by Victoria Hudgins from A Subtle Revelry. Soak pieces of fabric in stiffener (available at craft and fabric stores) then wrap them around blown-up balloons and let them dry. Next, pop the latex balloon inside and you'll be left with a fabric balloon that holds its shape. I love the idea of lining a walkway or the perimeter of a yard with a colourful array of these decorations.

8. Ice-cream cone piñataThis DIY ice-cream cone piñata is both party decoration and fun activity in one. On her blog, Simply Modern Mom, Tiffany Bird shows how to create a papier-mâché structure, fill it with candy, then decorate it with crêpe paper and... coffee filters! You'll have just as much fun making this piñata as the kids will have smashing it open.

9. Photo boothAnother decoration and activity in one, a DIY photo booth can also be the source of custom party favours. Heather's blog, Chickabug, features some tips from party planner Ali of Alexandra Schweitzer Events on how to create your own photo booth. Start with colourful fabric, fun props and a camera on a tripod, and young guests will have a blast posing for photos. Then print out shots during the party to send home with each guest.